Bournemouth 0-1 Chelsea: Player ratings as Enzo Maresca returns Blues to winning ways
Chelsea secured a narrow 1-0 win away to Bournemouth on Saturday to see Enzo Maresca's side return to winning ways. The West London club had the bulk of the ball and converted its possession dominance into a result.
The 86th-minute Christopher Nkunku goal setup by Jadon Sancho was the difference between both sides. Chelsea will face West Ham United on Sept. 21 and the Cherries will visit Anfield to face Liverpool.
Chelsea player ratings:
Robert Sanchez - 9/10
The Spaniard had a fine game for Chelsea. He conceded a penalty and saved it in an eventful game on the south coast. Sanchez made seven saves and recovered possession 12 times from his 62 touches.
Axel Disasi - 7/10
The Frenchman had a solid albeit unspectacular 61-minute run in the game. He helped keep the clean sheet for Enzo Maresca's side but he was dribbled past twice.
Wesley Fofana - 8/10
The Frenchman was essential to Chelsea's passing flow, completing the most passes (87) to bag the highest pass accuracy (94%). He also completed one tackle while recovering possession four times and making six clearances.
Levi Colwill - 8/10
Colwill looked impressive for the Blues today, completing 85% of his passes and making three blocks.
Marc Cucurella -7/10
The Spaniard was present in the background for Chelsea's win today. However, the defender gave a good account of himself. He recovered the ball three times while winning the same number of freekicks for Maresca's squad.
Renato Veiga - 8/10
The Portuguese midfielder had a fine game in the heart of the Chelsea midfield. He tested the keeper from range and completed three dribbles while winning two tackles.
Moises Caicedo - 8/10
The Ecuadorian had a fine game for Maresca's team, recovering possession 10 times. He also completed 51 passes and won two tackles in 82 touches to help his side control the midfield.
Cole Palmer - 7.5/10
Chelsea's talismanic forward did not score or set up the goal but was fouled the most on the pitch (four times). He also recovered possession three times and made the same number of clearances to get the win.
Pedro Neto - 6.5
The Portuguese winger had a mediocre game today. He lasted just 45 minutes on the pitch and only managed 10 passes and one accurate cross from his 23 touches.
Noni Madueke - 6.5/10
The hero from the previous win did not have the same impact on the pitch today. He completed three dribbles and made four recoveries in a lively albeit impotent display for 62 minutes.
Nicolas Jackson - 6/10
The Senegalese striker was not at his best for Chelsea today. He completed 11 passes but lost possession twice while managing only one shot on target in his 79 minutes on the pitch.
Chelsea Substitutes
Jadon Sancho - 8/10
The Manchester United loanee came on at halftime and had a telling contribution to the game, bagging his first assist for the club. He completed 24 passes out of 26 and recovered possession four times in a fine display.
Tosin Adarabioyo - 7/10
The defender came on in the second half and helped the visitors secure their win and clean sheet against a spirited Bournemouth.
Joao Felix - 6/10
The Portuguese forward did not have a good game after being brought on for his side in the second half. He completed 16 passes in his 28 minutes on the pitch but didn't do much else.
Christopher Nkunku - 8.5/10
The French forward was a perfect introduction from the bench with 10 minutes to go. He completed all five of his passes and scored the winner with his sole effort on goal.